US Department of AgricultureForest Service

Training, Qualifications Training, Qualifications and Certification Systemand Certification System

Features of the Training and Qualifications System

Establishes minimum training, skills, knowledge, experience, fitness and qualifications standards.Is a “Performance Based” system using approved standards.Qualification is based on demonstrated performance, not rank or position.

Authorities

Standards for training, qualifications and certification are set by an interagency group at the national level.Agencies agree to standards.Certifications are made at the local level with the exception of the most highly qualified positions.

Four Components of the Training and Qualifications System

Position task booksTraining coursesJob aidsCertification

Each position has specific and unique required training and prerequisite experience. Required training and prerequisite experience cannot be challenged.The process of demonstrating the abilities to perform the position is in the completion of the task book on incident assignments.

Required Training/Prerequisite Experience

Position Task Books

Contain critical tasks required to perform the job that must be completed on an actual incident assignment.Task books are specific and

unique for each position.Must be completed under the

guidance of a qualified trainer, no exceptions.

TrainingTraining provides the knowledge and skills to perform tasks.Training given and coordinated at all levels – local, regional and national based on needs.Needs are established through agency surveys, training calendars are established and shared through internet based systems.Instructors must be qualified in the position they are teaching. Training to be an effective instructor is available.

Job Aids

Reference booklets and self study information.Usually used for the most basic positions where formal training is not required.Facilitate development when there is no developed training course.Especially valuable when dealing with volunteers and when resources are scarce..

Certification Process

Evaluation of individual’s capability to performTrainee identifiedPrerequisite experience confirmedTrainee receives required trainingTask book is initiatedTrainee performs in position under direction of qualified trainerTask book is completed

Certification ContinuedTrainer recommends certification, agency certifies.More that one trainee assignment may be recommended.Persons must perform satisfactorily as fully qualified in the position before being trained for next higher position.Certification records are kept at the local level and are available electronically to the regional and national levels.

Position Certification Flow Chart

TraineeTraineeIdentifiedIdentified

Training Training CompletedCompleted

Experience Experience ConfirmedConfirmed

Task BookTask BookInitiatedInitiated

TrainerTrainerRecommendsRecommendsCertificationCertification

TaskbookTaskbookCompleted Completed

TraineeTraineePerforms onPerforms on

IncidentIncident

AgencyAgencyCertifiesCertifies

TraineeTraineeFullyFully

QualifiedQualified

Qualified Person in ThatQualified Person in ThatPosition Now Available forPosition Now Available for

Incident AssignmentsIncident Assignments

Currency Requirements

Maximum time without an assignment for maintaining currency is five years for most positions, and three years for some specialized positions such as air operations.Currency is maintained by successful performance in the position qualified for in the given time frame, or successful performance in a higher position for which that position is a prerequisite.

Physical Fitness Standards

Personnel must meet physical fitness standards for certain specialized positions, mostly in the Operations Section, such as hazardous materials mitigation.Agencies have the latitude to determine the method evaluating the physical fitness level of their personnel.Physical fitness is part of the local agency certification process.

Summary of ResponsibilitiesLocal Level

Provide basic level trainingCertify personnel and keep records

State LevelProvide mid and some advanced level trainingObtain qualifications records as needed

National LevelProvide the most advanced trainingSets national training, qualification and certification standards

All Levels provide management oversight

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